When cast iron is subjected to extreme heat shock, it can crack. This can occur if the pan is highly hot and then immersed in cold water.
We know that there is carbon in cast iron. Because of the added carbon, the material becomes stronger and tougher. However, this comes with a significant disadvantage of brittleness, which causes them to break.
Why would a cast iron pan crack?
In comparison to other metals, cast iron is an extremely brittle metal. With constant usage, the iron slowly deteriorates due to the everyday heating and cooling of the pans, causing them to become even more brittle, making them more susceptible to breaking and warping.
That is why we find so many broken or deformed cast iron cookware items that are 100 years old or older. Some pieces can still be utilized with minor warping, but the majority become heirloom decorations for the home.
This is also why there is so little cast iron cookware from 200 years ago or more, and the pieces that do exist are usually fractured, deformed, corroded, and/or housed in museums. So, while cast iron can persist for many generations, it cannot last permanently.
How long can a cast iron skillet last?
Cast iron is not completely invincible, although it usually lasts a lifetime. If they are neglected for an extended period of time, they may rust to the point that they lose their integrity.
Alternatively, dropping an extremely hot pan into cold water may cause it to fracture or warp. Dropping it, on the other hand, may potentially ruin it. They are, nonetheless, tough and can withstand most misuse. If they rust, it’s usually recoverable and the pan may be re-seasoned.
Abuse is what will render them unusable such as exposing them to extreme temperature changes, they may deform or break. If you don’t season them properly, they won’t be pleasure to cook on and may become unusable.
Can you repair cracks in cast iron?
Cast iron is constructed in such a way that it is not easily repairable…
If it’s a small item, such as a decorative piece, or anything that won’t be subjected to vibrations, pressure, or stress, glues or adhesives may be useful. However, it is not suggested in any other case.
And if it’s industrial material, a welding job can help, but only with the right tooling, skill, and, most critically, the right electrodes.
But it’s best to replace or remold that part.
Can cast iron crack in the oven?
One of the benefits of cast iron is its versatility and ability to be used both on the cooktop and in the oven. A word of warning. There are cast iron skillets and pots with wooden handles. Make certain that your cast iron is a solid one-piece item.
Cast iron is a strong material, yet it is not indestructible. It can break if dropped, and it can also break if subjected to significant temperature fluctuations. DO NOT immerse a hot skillet in cold water. It will break. Allow the skillet to cool before washing it.
If your skillet has been in the fridge and you place it in a hot oven, it will almost certainly crack. The opposite is also true – if you go from oven to fridge, you are likely to encounter issues (and it is not healthy for your refrigerator either).
You should be alright if you put your cast iron that has been sitting at room temperature into a hot oven.
Alternatively, you can heat the pan on the stovetop for a few minutes before placing it in the oven.
Even better, if you put the skillet in a cold oven and then turn on the heat, the pan will slowly heat up as the oven heats. You should never have to worry about the cast iron splitting if you do this.
Additional Questions
Can cast iron crack while being heated?
Yes, cast iron is certainly at risk of cracking when subjected to extreme temperature fluctuations. To illustrate, immersing a heated pan in cold water can lead to what is known as thermal shock, resulting in potentially irreparable cracks. From my years of experience with cast iron cookware, I’ve found that careful piece handling and avoiding drastic temperature changes greatly extends lifespan of the utensil.
Is it easy for cast iron to crack?
While not inherently fragile, cast iron skillets can indeed crack if subjected to certain conditions. This is most commonly due to either significant temperature variations, such as rinsing a hot skillet under cold water, or physical damage like a drop. Throughout the years, I’ve noticed my cast iron pans tend to be more robust when treated gently, further proving that cast iron isn’t immune to cracking.
How can I prevent my cast iron from cracking?
Ensuring an evenly distributed heat across your cast iron workpieces can significantly minimize the risk of stress accumulation, thus reducing tendency to crack. Try to prevent the workpiece from being exposed to high heat for extended periods and make small welds instead. My suggestion, from personal experience, is to let your workpiece cool off slowly, possibly in an oven–a method that has proven effective time and again.
What occurs when cast iron is heated?
The outcome largely depends on the heating intensity and duration. For example, a mere 100°C increase might not change anything, but raising the heat above 700°C may alter the casting’s microstructure. It’s also essential to consider the cooling phase, which can render the cast either softer and easier to process, or rather tumultuous. Learning this from years of handling cast iron, I’ve found how the heating and cooling processes can decisively influence cast iron’s characteristics.